Carabao Cup Third Round Preview 2026-27: All You Need to Know
Premier League sides competing in UEFA competitions enter at this stage, while clubs from the EFL have the opportunity to produce a major upset against some of the country’s biggest teams.
The 2026/27 third round is particularly interesting because the fixtures have been spread across two weeks to accommodate the domestic and European schedules.
That creates a series of midweek cup nights throughout September, with clubs balancing league commitments, European football and the possibility of progressing to the fourth round.
For supporters, it also means plenty of opportunities to watch competitive knockout football, with every tie decided over a single match. If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the competition rules provide for extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shoot-out.
When Is The Carabao Cup Third Round?
The Carabao Cup Third Round is being played across two midweeks: Tuesday 8 September and Wednesday 9 September, followed by Tuesday 15 September, Wednesday 16 September and Thursday 17 September 2026.
The unusual two-week schedule is a consequence of the European fixture calendar and the need to accommodate clubs competing in UEFA competitions.
The opening round of third-round matches takes place on Tuesday 8 September, when five ties are scheduled. Chelsea then face Leeds United on Wednesday 9 September.
The remaining matches are scheduled for Tuesday 15 September, Wednesday 16 September and Thursday 17 September. Liverpool’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur was moved to Tuesday 15 September, with an 8pm BST kick-off.
Kick-off times vary between 7:45pm, 8pm and, in Manchester City’s case, 7:30pm BST. Supporters should check the latest fixture information before travelling, as cup schedules can be altered for broadcast or logistical reasons.
What Are The Fixtures For The Carabao Cup Third Round?
The 16 third-round ties feature several all-Premier League meetings, as well as some potentially challenging assignments for top-flight clubs against EFL opposition. The confirmed schedule is as follows:
Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough – Tuesday 8th September, 7:45pm
Sunderland v Hull City – Tuesday 8th September, 7:45pm
Bournemouth v Lincoln City – Tuesday 8th September, 7:45pm
Leyton Orient v Bradford City – Tuesday 8th September, 7:45pm
Millwall v Newcastle United – Tuesday 8th September, 8pm
Chelsea v Leeds United – Wednesday 9th September, 8pm
Peterborough United v Barnsley – Tuesday 15th September, 7:45pm
West Ham United v Fulham – Tuesday 15th September, 7:45pm
Reading v Brentford – Tuesday 15th September, 8pm
Ipswich Town v Arsenal – Tuesday 15th September, 8pm
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur – Tuesday 15th September, 8pm
Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Wednesday 16th September, 7:45pm
Fleetwood Town v Sheffield United – Wednesday 16th September, 7:45pm
Coventry City v Aston Villa – Wednesday 16th September, 8pm
Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion – Wednesday 16th September, 8pm
Manchester City v Norwich City – Thursday 17th September, 7:30pm
There are several standout ties in the draw. Liverpool and Tottenham meet at Anfield in one of the most attractive all-Premier League contests, while Manchester United host Brighton and Aston Villa travel to Coventry City in another meeting between top-flight clubs. Arsenal also face an away trip to Ipswich Town, while Manchester City host Norwich City.
There is also plenty of potential for lower-league clubs to make headlines. Lincoln City travel to Bournemouth, Bradford City visit Leyton Orient and Barnsley head to Peterborough United, while Middlesbrough will attempt to eliminate Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The format leaves little room for recovery. Every tie is a one-off knockout match, meaning the winners progress to the fourth round while the losing teams are eliminated from the competition.
What Are The Results For The Carabao Cup Third Round?
The Carabao Cup Third Round has not yet been completed. As of 7 September 2026, the first third-round fixtures are scheduled for Tuesday 8 September, so there are no final third-round results to report yet.
Once the fixtures are played, the winners will advance to the fourth round. As with the other knockout rounds, a draw after 90 minutes can lead to extra time and penalties where required.
Bet on the Carabao Cup Third Round at Bet442
Bet442 offers several football betting markets for the Carabao Cup, including full time markets, goalscorers and in-play options.
If you decide to bet on the Carabao Cup, make sure you consider the latest team news, confirmed line-ups, form and fixture schedules before placing a wager.
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